When questioning the virtues and coolness of solar powered watches, picture this: imagine the feelgood factor of a vintage-grail chronograph or slim Cartier without worrying about the fragility of micro-mechanics, batteries or servicing?

Quartz is back on the cool list, but solar powered watches take it up a notch. Even the geekiest of watch lovers finds joy in an ever-accurate watch that doesnt need winding, despite the lack of cogs and hairsprings (nope, we dont know what they do either). Big dog brands like Seiko and TAG Heuer are finding the market for quartz rising, and are quietly taking a step or two up the sustainability ladder with great results.

View more

You might not have panels on your roof yet to stave off increased leccy bills, but your wrist is a great place to start. Here are some banging choices for added sustainability without losing the edge, depth rating or taste for fine watchmaking.

TAG Heuer has an instinctual feel for the wrist-zeitgeist, touching all bases fromConnected watches to mad carbon-fibre tourbillons and LAB-made diamond encrusted bad boys. Its legendaryAquaracer diver series now includes solar powered watches, and our fave is from the dark side. The stealth-fit steel case is aced by its bezel, where carbon fibre is fused with luminous material, emitting an eerily attractive green glow at night. On supple rubber, its a no-nonsense 200m depth rated diver, suave and tech-packed to boot.2,700. Atgoldsmiths.co.uk

An evocative name with a surprisingly easy-going nature thanks toSeikos superb Solar quartz movement. This is your choice for monochrome looks straight out of a 60s racing flick, with everyday wearability. Nothing beats the clean-cut look of a crisp panda dial, especially when framed inside a 39mm case.590. Atgoldsmiths.co.uk

Chunky with whopping big numbers on the divers bezel, this Promaster delivers the goods. Black might be slimming, but that aint going to shrink a 46mm case down to a shirt-cuff fit. Who cares though, when youre gazing into the toughest diving tool money can buy? While the Eco-Drive movement charges up in the sun, youve got time to psych yourself up for your next career as a dive instructor (optional). The 200m print on the dial means you can explore down in the depths, not just round the corner at the pub.399. Atgoldsmiths.co.uk

You dont need a degree in Architecture from Central Saint Martins to enjoy the crisp minimalism of the slim 38mm Junghans Max Bill Mega Solar. A dramatic name for an elegant watch, serving as a ruse to draw you into its quiet German Bauhaus design. The balanced dial graphics are cheered up by a slim font of eye-popping pink, matched by a vivid leather strap. Sunny as you like for1,075. Atjurawatches.co.uk

Chic rectangular pieces of French horology fromCartier will always give you the edge when caught in a cocktail party wrist-battle, just askRami Malek. The Solarbeat packs a Photovoltaic tech-punch (sounds sexy) letting the suns rays filter through the dial to keep you on time. In a sleek 33.7mm case with a mere 6.6mm thickness, were calling this kinda flex the future ofdress watches.2,940. Atcartier.com & goldsmiths.co.uk

Weve all bought into the digital reign ofCasio before, but theres equally stonking value in its Edifice range of unashamedly big tool watches. At 47mm, this 100m rated bargain is packed with functions and tangy satsuma-orange details. It works a charm with a scruffy tee for the summer as well as some ironic Im a billionaire but wear a cheap watch flex, because with a Casio any vibe is possible.199. Atjurawatches.co.uk

This reminder of the 90s is called the Arnie for a reason, and its not because of a thick Austrian accent. Far removed from AI making conversation, it sat on Arnold Alois Schwarzeneggers wrist inCommando andPredator. If that doesnt work as a pick-me-up in the morning, what will? Its battle-ready nature includes a multifunctional chronograph, a 200m depth rating and general gung-ho attitude in spades. 420. Atjurawatches.co.uk

More:

8 solar powered watches that bring sustainable sunshine - British GQ